MLB Rumors: 5 Teams Expected to Dominate 2025 Trade Deadline
5 Teams Expected to Be Most Active at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline
Whether chasing October glory or gearing up for a rebuild, these clubs are expected to make multiple high-impact moves before July 31.
Cubs, Yankees, Mariners primed to buy big
The Chicago Cubs, despite boasting MLB’s best run differential, are in urgent need of rotation reinforcements. Their top arms behind Shota Imanaga and Matt Boyd aren’t postseason-ready, and the team has the farm depth to swing a deal for a proven starter.
Quality start for Shota Imanaga. pic.twitter.com/LVMss64C6g
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 9, 2025
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are also desperate for rotation help following Clarke Schmidt’s injury, and could pursue expensive, controllable arms like Sandy Alcantara or Mitch Keller, even if it means busting past the luxury tax ceiling.
Clarke Schmidt is back in the Yankee dugout after the news that he will have season ending Tommy John surgery❤️#Yankees pic.twitter.com/YmmSXUN6IG
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) July 8, 2025
The Seattle Mariners, always a fringe playoff threat, are once again hunting for bats. With Randy Arozarena already in the fold, Seattle may now target upgrades at DH or first base, and could move elite prospects to land a game-changing hitter.
Pirates and Orioles preparing blockbuster fire sales
On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Pirates could be one of the biggest sellers at this year’s deadline. With rental arms like Andrew Heaney and Caleb Ferguson on offer, plus high-value names like Mitch Keller, David Bednar, and Bryan Reynolds available for the right price, the Pirates are flush with tradable assets.
Mitch Keller tonight:
— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) July 9, 2025
6.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO, 2 HR
93 pitches, 63 strikes, 8 whiffs
13th quality start of the season before the ASG break.
I respect the hell out of the work Mitch Keller has put in to become such a reliable SP. Don't trade him. pic.twitter.com/YqVYp5AeQN
Similarly, the Baltimore Orioles have the depth to unload veterans like Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, and Zach Eflin without disrupting their long-term core. If Baltimore decides to go all-in on a sell-off, even Félix Bautista could hit the block, provided the return is overwhelming.
I feel for Zach Eflin man I just don’t know what happened to him. He was the Orioles most consistent starter since picked up last year and has been great for about a year up until the last month or so. What happened?! #Birdland
— BasedIn410 (@Based_In410) June 28, 2025
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
